Rangoli is an Indian sand-painted design often seen in Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. Rangoli can be any size and can use a wide variety of materials. You can approach Rangoli as an advanced art project for an experienced artist, or modify it for a fun activity with kids.

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Steps

Method 1 of 4: Simple Rangoli - suitable for kids

1

Choose the size of black paper you wish to use. You will want a piece of paper large enough to allow some intricacy, but not so large as to turn your Rangoli into an overly long project.

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2

Decide what kind of design you want. Most designs are symmetrical patterns, and are based on drawings of animals or plants. Flowers are very popular. Search online for designs, or look for a library book on Indian crafts (ask your librarian to help).

3

Sketch the design on paper with a pencil. Sketch lightly so that you can erase if needed.

4

When you are happy with your design, finalize the outline using white chalk. This is a crucial step for beginners, though more experienced Rangoli makers often skip it.

5

Fill in your design with colored chalk. This is the most interesting step, and usually the most fun. Use as many colors as you like.

6

Display proudly. Pin somewhere that many people will see it, such as in your doorway, hall or kitchen.

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Method 2 of 4: Rangoli for the beginner

As a beginner, you may follow the Easy “Rangoli for Kids” steps above on paper or on the ground, or you may wish to try the following textured version.

1

Choose where you wish to create your Rangoli. You may choose paper or someplace more traditional, like on the ground. If it's to be on the ground, ensure that people still have space to walk around it.

2

Decide what kind of design you want. Most designs are symmetrical patterns, and are based on drawings of animals or plants. Flowers are very popular. Do an online search for design ideas and choose one that appears reasonably simple and that you like.

3

Sketch the design lightly in pencil or chalk. If working on the ground, only use chalk.

4

When you are happy with your design, finalize the outline with heavier lines. This leads to more clarity, especially when drawing on the floor, and is a crucial step for beginners.

5

Outline your design. Roll a piece of newspaper into a cone and snip a hole in the narrow end. Fill the hole with semolina or sand. Using your finger as a stopper with which to control the flow, outline your design.

6

Fill in your design. This is the most interesting step, and usually the most fun. You may fill in your design with a variety of products:

Powder paints mixed with Rangoli color, sand or semolina

Paint

Coloured sand/sawdust

7

If you have used paper, move to a display area. If you have placed on the ground, move items if needed to ensure that people can walk around it without disturbing it.

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Method 3 of 4: Rangoli for the advanced artist

For the advanced artist, aim to make the Rangoli a little more complex.

1

Choose a traditional place for your Rangoli. You may choose to work on the ground or on a wall. If working on the ground, choose an area where usual walking routes will not be disrupted.

2

Decide what kind of design you want. Whether you choose a simple or complex design, most are symmetrical. You may use a plant or an animal for inspiration, or you may make your own creation. You may even choose a character or an event from a story, as traditional Rangoli do. For design ideas, do an online search for "Rangoli" and select one that pleases you.

3

Sketch the design on paper, finalizing your plan. When making the plan, bear in mind the need to make clearly defined lines and to provide space for color and insertion of the item you're using to build the texture of the Rangoli.

What will you use to create texture? Sand, semolina, dried lentils, dried peas, powder paints mixed with Rangoli color, paint, coloured sand/sawdust, etc., are all suitable. For an advanced Rangoli, try to mix the textures and colors to enhance the artistic nature of the final design, as this is what gives it the real wow factor.

4

Use the semolina, colored sand or white Rangoli color to outline the design. To do this, take some semolina in the palm. Bring the tips of your fingers together, leaving a small, closable opening between them. Your hand should resemble a cone, with your fingers forming the narrow end. Face your fingers downward to allow steady flow of semolina or sand to escape.

5

Fill in your design. This is the most interesting step, and usually the most fun. You may fill in your design with a variety of products:

Method 4 of 4: Rangoli design inspiration

Here are just a few examples of Rangoli to inspire the development of your own creation:

Simpler design

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